should retarded people be allowed to vote?

Answer 1

I believe that anyone who is capable of making an informed choice should be allowed to vote. The problem is that even those of us who are capable of making the informed decision, do not inform ourselves. Some folks who are "retarded" can make informed decisions; however, there are also some who can't. I believe it it the responsibility of the people who are caring for the "retarded" people to know if that person is capable of making an informed choice. The benefit to having mentally handicapped people vote is that at least we know they have a support system that at least makes an attempt to inform those people before they go in to vote. i wish we could say that for everyone who votes!

Answer 2

I suppose you cannot discriminate. If they want to and they can read then they are really not extremely retarded. Now should someone in a vegetative state be allowed. Hum... then I think their vote would be influenced by someone. Like if they cannot read, and cannot pull the lever and someone has to do everything for them... that is a good question. But then again our vote hardly counts so what the heck.

Answer 3

As long as drunks are allowed to cast a ballot, I suggest that mental retardation should not be a barrier. As one responder put it, one need not pass an I.Q. test to vote. One does not even have to prove himself sane, or unbiased. Homocidal maniacs can vote, until they get caught.

What would you suggest a minimum I.Q. for voting be? What kind of test would you suggest? Would you make EVERYONE take that test. If that person were intoxicated, distracted or otherwise impaired, would you turn him away from the voting booth?

How about a test for an understanding of the issues being decided? Wouldn't that make more sense than an I.Q. test?

(note to "butterfly" Not everyone of legal age is allowed to vote. Considering how many convicted felons are around, there seems to be a substantial population who are being "discriminated" against.)

Answer 4

If a person is knowledgable enough to know there is an election going on, and can walk into a polling place before it closes, they have a right to vote. If they are there, they obviously know that. Why turn them away? That would be prejudice. And it would also probably end up for a vote on the next election.

Answer 5

Everyone should have a right to vote over the legal age to do so. It is against the law to discriminate so just be thankful you are not retarded or with your way of thinking you are short of something.

Answer 6

I guess it depends if the person has a thorough understanding of what they are voting for, and the ability to make a sound, independent decision. I do not believe a person with severe retardation has this capability, but a mildly retarted person may.

Answer 7

yes, retarded people have the ability to learn. Their rights are just important as anyone elses. By the way have you ever met someone who was supposed to be a okay and still would take away their right to vote?

Answer 8

The Voting Rights Act says that it is illegal to have literacy tests as a qualification for voting. Do you want to repeal that part of the VRA?

And I agree with the other person who said that you should be worried about being denied the vote.

Answer 9

Why shouldn't they be allowed to vote?? They are taught the voting process and it is part of being a citizen. THey are expected to hold a job, so I feel they should be a part of the other processes.

Answer 10

The last several presidents I thought they were the only ones voting